I think Christ sets the example with the women accused of adultery - “He who is without sin cast the first stone.” I don’t think to say that burning “heretics” is contrary to the will of the Spirit is accusing the Church of teaching a lie. Again, lie assumes an intentional attempt to deceive. We can disagree about something without accusing each other of being liars.
If the Catholic Church had the power today to do so, would she approve of burning people at the stake?
Jon
Unfortunately Jon as much as we hate to use that word it has to come into play.You either have the truth or a lie.
The CC has no power nor had any power to rule this world.
If the CC had its way it would in most circumstances disagree with the death penalty. But as like back then it has no power.
The only Power it has is to teach the truth.
Let me ask you once more, another way, How can there be an unquenchable fire thats eternal in hell be a teaching against the Spirit? When the teaching came from the HS?
Here is another question, Okay lets say the Pope in those days did not feel it was to harsh, what does that have to do with the word of God? His opinion is not the word of God nor ever was.
We have never said we had a Pope who was without personal sin, or had personal opinions that were the true word of God.
Let me ask you this, Okay I go to a Priest right now and confess my sin, He has the power to forgive my sin, even if he is at that time in a state of sin himself. Do you see what I am saying?
We haven’t always had the best Popes in the past, like we have been blessed with today.
But what does their personal sin or sins have to do with having the power to speak for God.
I mean do you really believe that Peter, Paul, etc never had an evil thought, or that we agreed with every single personal opinion they had.